Synonyms for

Vengeance

Verb / ˈvendʒʌns / Another word for vengeance — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong

Synonyms & similar words

payback retribution revenge retaliation payback reprisal retribution justice punishment retribution avengement expiation expurgation punition quittance reciprocation redemption remission requital revengefulness vindication wreaking

Synonyms by register

Formal

retribution requital redress

Informal

payback getting even settling the score

Literary

requitement retaliation

Antonyms

forgiveness mercy pardon clemency reconciliation benevolence kindness

Common collocations

  • seek vengeance
  • exact vengeance
  • vengeance is mine
  • blind vengeance
  • swift vengeance
  • bloody vengeance
  • call for vengeance

Word family

noun vengeance
verb avenge
adjective vengeful

Usage note

Vengeance implies a strong desire for revenge, often with a sense of justice or moral justification. It is a more intense and often more formal term than 'revenge'.

Example sentences

  1. She vowed vengeance against the thief who stole her bike.
  2. The victim's family sought vengeance against the murderer in court.
  3. The bully finally got his vengeance when he tripped his victim in the hallway.
  4. In the movie, the hero seeks vengeance against the villain for killing his family.
  5. The vigilante took vengeance into his own hands and attacked the gang members.

Quotes

  • The best revenge is massive success. -Frank Sinatra
  • An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind. -Mahatma Gandhi
  • Revenge is often like biting a dog because the dog bit you. -Austin O'Malley

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